South Africa’s stand-in Test captain Aiden Markram is relishing the challenges that await his team on their upcoming tour of Pakistan.
Speaking from the team’s camp at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria, Markram opened up about preparation, conditions, and the team’s mindset as they gear up for a crucial series that will test their adaptability and resolve, particularly against spin.
The Proteas have been working hard to replicate subcontinental conditions ahead of their trip. Markram explained that the short training camp has been invaluable in helping the squad adjust their game for what lies ahead.
“Yeah, we’re here at HPC. It’s actually been really good. They’ve managed to get the wickets to turn quite a bit. There’s a couple of nights where it’s really exaggerated. You almost rather have it on that side and get to that side in Pakistan and it maybe feel a bit easier, but it’s been a good couple of days. I was just in the afternoon session now as well, but expecting the spin side of things big time.”
He acknowledged that simulating Pakistan’s conditions in South Africa is never easy, but the team has made every effort to prepare thoroughly.
“Naturally, a lot lower there from a seam point of view, a lot more skiddy, so it’s quite hard to emulate here in South Africa, but we try to put a bit of emphasis on that and find ways of training that as well. The bowlers, they’re doing their thing. They’ve obviously been really good for us over quite a good period of time now.”
On Home Advantage and Pitch Preparation
Asked about the pitch conditions and the notion of home teams preparing wickets to their advantage, Markram offered a pragmatic view.
“I think if it’s your own game, you can pretty much prepare for whatever wicket you’d like to prepare. That’s how I see it. So definitely no question marks from my side. Ultimately, if it’s going to be extreme like it was in the English series, then it’s going to be difficult for both teams from a batting point of view.”
“I think if you want to use home ground advantage to help your team win a game of cricket, then I think you should be able to do so.”
On Being the Team Everyone Wants to Beat
Since South Africa’s rise as a competitive force, the team has often found itself with a target on its back. Markram accepts that pressure as part of the job — and even as motivation.
“It might be the case, I guess, post the final. I haven’t really thought much about that. But I suppose you do create a bit of a target on your back if you’ve won. So it’s completely fair if that is the case. From our point of view, we want to chase that again and we want to lift that same trophy once again.”
“Each team will come for you. You as a team as well have to keep getting better and improving and play well in all different types of conditions. It’s tough for us in Pakistan and it’s a challenge that the boys will be up for.”
On Spin Options and Team Balance
With spin expected to play a major role in the series, Markram highlighted the variety and strength of South Africa’s spin attack.
“Yeah, they’re all quite different. I mean, you look at the two off-spinners to start with, Simon and Subs (Subrayen), in my opinion, especially having faced them now where it is spinning, it’s two completely different challenges they throw at you. So I think that’s something great to have as a squad.”
“You don’t really want similar types of spinners and Sen’s (Senuran Muthusamy) proved it in Bangladesh. We had spun as well and he did a massive roll for us there. So they are each quite different, different paces, different types of spin in terms of side spin and overspin and stuff like that, which reacts differently off the wickets.”
On Preparation and Leadership
While some players took part in four-day domestic games, others focused on rest and conditioning. Markram said he supports a flexible approach.
“I think it’s very much an individual thing and I feel if a guy wants to get into a four-day game there for his best prep, then that should definitely be allowed. And other guys feel like they might need to rest and get their body strong again after what’s been a busy couple of months, then they obviously have that right as well.”
“The biggest thing is guys need to go there feeling very well prepared physically and obviously from a skill point of view. And we trust each person to make sure that they tick that box before the first game.”
As stand-in captain for the Test series, Markram said he’s comfortable in the role and values the support of senior players and staff.
“So whenever Temba’s unfortunately not playing, then I’m blessed with the opportunity to lead the side. So it feels like a pretty similar scenario. For me as an individual, though, it’s Test cricket, naturally. I’m pretty desperate to win in one day cricket, but even more so with the red ball.”
“You still keep your leadership group, some senior players, the coaching staff, guys like Temba, even though he won’t be on the tour, you keep them close and bounce ideas off each other and hope you can make a positive impact for the team.”
On the Bigger Picture
Markram knows that the upcoming tours to Pakistan and India will define South Africa’s progress and credibility in the longest format.
“Yes, it does. It will be two massive challenges. I think it would send a little bit of a statement if we had two successful tours. That’s how the scheduling has worked out. As a team, you want to be challenged and play the best in their conditions.”
“It’s an exciting opportunity, like you mentioned, and I’m pretty sure the guys will be quite excited about the thought of trying to win in Asia.”
Proteas Test squad against Pakistan
Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj* (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins) and Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province).
Pakistan Tour Fixtures
Test Series
1st Test – Sunday, 12 October – Thursday, 16 October
Pakistan vs South Africa – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
2nd Test – Monday, 20 October – Friday, 24 October
Pakistan vs South Africa – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
